Onward and upward for Anzac CSO

Able Seaman Combat Systems Operator Kaleb Prangley mans a console in the operations room onboard HMAS Anzac during the South East Asia Deployment.

HMAS Anzac’s recent South East Asia Deployment was a valuable experience for a Combat Systems Operator (CSO) with a bright future at sea.

Able Seaman Kaleb Prangley first joined Anzac in October 2016, spending three months at HMAS Watson before rejoining in July 2017.

He performs his role as part of a team in the ship’s busy Operations Room. Combat Systems Operators gather and correlate information from the ship’s sensors in order to provide a timely tactical picture for command in relation to surface, sub-surface and air threats in benign and multi-threat environments.

“We assist the bridge team as the eyes and ears of the ship,” the 22 year old said.

“We use radar and sonar sensors to track vessels and landmarks in our vicinity.

“My role specialises in the underwater side of warfare - tracking underwater threats such as submarines and torpedoes.

“I also need to have a broad knowledge of the systems and capabilities of other vessels to we can put ourselves in the most effective position to out-perform them in a combat situation.

The South East Asia Deployment was Able Seaman Prangley’s first overseas trip with the Navy and first time experiencing foreign cultures in the region.

“The port visits were a bit of an eye opener.

“I enjoyed participating in the sporting events with overseas navies, especially when we formed combined teams with members from each nation.

“The foreign sailors were all very friendly and always up for a laugh.

“While working, I had to be really on the ball with some of the ports we visited. Singapore especially was very busy, with a huge amount of traffic.

After joining the RAN in May 2015, the deployment has been a stepping stone to an exciting new posting and long career ahead for Able Seaman Prangley.

His next posting will be in the new high tech Guided Missile Destroyer NUSHIP Sydney in 2019.

“Joining a DDG means I’ll learn a completely new combat system and meet a new bunch of shipmates.

“My plan is to stay in the Navy for a long time. I want to become a Petty Officer and see where I can go from there.

Able Seaman Prangley was born and raised in Cairns, with his family originating from the North Island of New Zealand. He joined after hearing about Navy life from some hometown family friends - a Petty Officer Marine Technician and Petty Officer Communication Information Systems sailor.

“I’m keen to catch up with them soon and share some of my own great experiences in the Navy,” he said.